January 17, 2003/Shevat 14 5763, Vol. 55, No. 21
Lieberman: The Jewish candidate?
MATTHEW E. BERGER
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 Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) launches his bid for the White House from his alma mater, Stamford High School, on Jan. 13. Photo by Stuart Simons/Connecticut Jewish Ledger |
Lieberman officially entered the race for the presidency Jan. 13, announcing that he was filing papers to seek the Democratic nomination in 2004.
Lieberman enters a strong field that includes two fellow senators - with the possibility of a third entering soon - a former Democratic leader in the House, a liberal Northeast governor and a civil rights activist.
Lieberman is one of the first Jewish candidates in U.S. history to seek the White House - and the only one who is considered to have a real shot. Among American Jews, he has almost an angelic status, considered a groundbreaker for others to follow. But he has also been a controversial figure at times, taking stands that buck the views of the majority of American Jews and liberals, and consistently evoking faith in his campaigns.
While many in the Jewish community say Lieberman's candidacy represents an important achievement for Jews in the United States, there is confusion over exactly how to view him.
Is he the Jewish candidate or just another political candidate who happens to be Jewish? And will Jews see it differently than the rest of the American population?
At his news conference on Jan. 13, Lieberman held himself up as the man for all Americans.
"I'm running because of the ideas I have for our nation's future and how to make it better," he said at his high school alma mater. "I'm not running on my faith," Lieberman said. "But the fact is my faith is at the center of who I am and I'm not going to conceal that."
Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said he does not think Lieberman will be seen as a Jewish candidate the way the Rev. Al Sharpton, who also intends to run, will be seen as a black candidate.
"I think outside the Jewish community, the only ones who will look at him as a Jewish candidate are the bigots and the anti-Semites, who are a minority," Foxman said.
On Jan. 13, Lieberman said he would not hesitate to invoke faith and God's name, when it comes naturally, while on the campaign trail. He cited the Declaration of Independence as the source that American political power comes from the creator.
A senator from Connecticut since 1989, Lieberman became a household name just over two years ago when he was chosen as the Democratic vice presidential nominee to run with then-Vice President Al Gore.
Lieberman's base of support outside the Jewish community is expected to come from environmentalists, moderate and conservative Democrats, hawkish and pro-defense segments of the party and the business community in the New York metropolitan area.
While there is clearly excitement about his candidacy, Jewish leaders and donors are not throwing their support behind Lieberman. In addition to his focus on faith, Lieberman's positions on some issues do not sit well with many American Jews, especially liberal Democrats.
And there is some concern that people throughout the country will equate Lie-berman's position statements with that of the Jewish community at large.
In fact, on Jan. 13, as Lieberman spoke briefly about preserving the U.S.-Israeli relationship, two dozen protesters, calling themselves "Jews Against the Occupation" chanted that they will not back Lieberman.
Lieberman was also criticized by more hawkish American Jews after his recent visit to the Middle East, where he expressed sympathy for the Palestinians and support for an Arab-led plan for peace.
On the domestic front, Lieberman's position in favor of faith-based initiatives and school vouchers have angered many in the Jewish community who worry that such programs blur the line between church and state.
While there is some concern, Jewish analysts say they are not concerned that Lieberman will be seen as the voice of the American Jewish community. They also note that Jews have been elected to other offices in the Midwest and other parts of the country without a strong Jewish population.
At the same time, some analysts suggest that Lieberman will try to separate himself from the American Jewish community so as not to be seen as a Jewish pawn or as someone controlled by the pro-Israel lobby.